Does The Orlando Area Need A Rapid-transit System?

October 13, 1985

Orange County soon will decide whether to proceed with a French company's plan to build a high-speed rail link between International Drive in Orlando and Walt Disney World. It might later become part of a rapid-transit system with stops at Orlando International Airport, downtown Orlando and south Seminole County.

Enthusiasts say Central Florida's roads will become hopelessly clogged if a rail system is not built. They say zoning changes that cluster residences and jobs along a rapid-transit route is the answer. They also stress that a major share of the $375 million system would be paid by private dollars.

Opponents call the price tag too big and say taxpayers will end up holding most of it. They question whether any public funds should go to help tourists shuttle between International Drive and Disney. Critics also argue that the rail system would relieve traffic congestion less than its promoters claim.

What do you think? Does the Orlando area need a rapid-transit system? You have until noon Monday to call.

(Last week Sound Off asked readers if group silent prayer should be allowed in public schools. Of 2,504 calls, 1,846 -- 74 percent -- said yes, and 658 said no.)